Common names:
Jeet Sukumaran’s Torrent-Dwelling Toad [1].
Sukumaran's Slender Toad [2].
Classification:
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Amphibia
Order - Anura
Family - Bufonidae
Species - Ansonia jeetsukumarani
Distribution:
Ansonia jeetsukumarani is found in three locations in Peninsular Malaysia; Gunung Stong, Fraser's Hill, and Sungai Pergau (see map) [1]. It is only found at high elevations, 1059-1125m above sea level, and as such it's extent of occurrence is 5560km2 [1].
Details:
Jeet Sukumaran’s Torrent-Dwelling Toad occurs in montane, closed-canopy forests; they rely on clean mountain streams for survival and breeding [1]. Breeding occurs in-stream and the young develop there independently once hatched [1]. Adults can be found at night on rocks and leaves above ~0.5-1.5m above the water [1]. This species is sexually dimorphic, with the females being larger than the males [3]. They are dark in colour with orange tints to the limbs [3].
Overall, the population is declining due to a variety of threats (see below). However, two of the three populations occur in protected areas and are relatively safe from harm at present [1].
Threats to the species:
Climate change [1].
Habitat fragmentation [1].
Logging [1].
Urbanisation and development [1].
Water pollution [1]
Similar species:
References:
[1] IUCN Red List. (2019). Jeet Sukumaran’s Torrent-Dwelling Toad, Ansonia jeetsukumarani. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/158637/92442409. [Accessed 5 May 2019].
[2] Ecology Asia. (n.d.). Sukumaran's Slender Toad. [ONLINE]. Available at: http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/amphibians/sukumarans-slender-toad.htm. [Accessed 5 May 2019].
[3] AmphibaiWeb. (2017). Ansonia jeetsukumarani. [ONLINE]. Available at: https://amphibiaweb.org/species/7222 [Accessed 5 May 2019].
Photo: Ecology Asia. (n.d.). Sukumaran's Slender Toad. [ONLINE]. Available at: http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/amphibians/sukumarans-slender-toad.htm. [Accessed 5 May 2019].
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